scientific hypothesis

Question

when forming a scientific hypothesis scientists must make sure the hypothesis?

 

 

a.  does not contradict any scientific law

b.  is in the for of a question

c.  can be tested by experimentation

 

 

I say all of these

 

 

 

thanks

 

 

 

Answer 1

Hi! The formal definition of a valid scientific hypothesis is an educated explanation of a phenomenon based on prior information, previous knowledge, or other such support. Not to argue with Lewis, but the correct answer (at least from the position of life sciences) is all of the above.

 

Hypotheses cannot contradict scientific principles (they can change what is thought to be scientific principle). For example, if "tomorrow the moon will rise in the west and set in the east" is not a valid hypothesis as there is no basis for that position.

 

While many "hypotheses" are in the form of a statement, technically, valid scientific hypotheses are in the form of a question, framed in some variation of " if x, then y, except that due to chance alone".

 

Hypotheses must be testable, otherwise it is only opinion. There is nothing wrong with opinion, but you cannot test opinions. For example, "green is prettier than blue" is not a valid hypothesis as it cannot be independently demonstrated.

 

I hope this clears up the question.

Answer 2

The hypothesis is an explanation or guess or suggested solution. It is not based upon scientific laws. If you google "scientific hypothesis" you can find a number of sites that will provide you with examples. The only answer that fits this is c. can be tested by experimentation. Thanks for the question. LEW